BeHeld SAT Informed Consent

These are the details of what you can expect from me as your SAT practitioner and what I’ll expect from you as my client.

BeHeld: To be both dearly held and deeply seen.

Things to Know:

SAT, Somatic Attention Therapy, or cuddle therapy, is a platonic health modality that involves shared, non-sexual touch in whatever way feels good for both the client and the practitioner. We start each session with our opening agreement - that we promise to let each other know if we’re uncomfortable at any time for any reason. That way, unless we’re saying something, we know that we’re both comfortable.

Sessions are client-led, meaning that you get to call the shots. As long as I’m comfortable with it, any platonic forms of touch are welcome. We rarely get the experience to ask for exactly what we want, so this can be a good way to flex that muscle and build confidence in sharing our needs.

We can talk or be in silence. I am an accepting, non-judgmental space, so if you need to talk about anything, I’m happy to be a caring listener. Unless I think you’ll be a danger to yourself or others, sessions are completely confidential. To protect that confidentiality, if I run into you out in the wild, I'll follow your lead. If you don't engage, I'll move along as if we don't know each other. If you come up and say hi, I'll be happy to say hi back and won't declare how I know you to anyone you may be with unless you bring it up first.

We wear at least shorts and a tank top and keep touch away from areas that would be covered by a swimsuit. While natural reactions (erections, etc) can happen and are totally fine, I’ll address it if things take on a sexual vibe (client tries to kiss, dry-humps, gropes, etc). Payment is taken via the website or at the beginning of the session. If the vibe continues in a sexual direction, I will end the session early with no refund.

Liability:

While I will do everything in my power to provide a safe enough space, you are responsible for your body, belongings, and mental health. Cuddle therapy can bring up feelings of vulnerability or emotional release. This can be incredibly healing but may also be uncomfortable. Clients often experience an oxytocin high after the session. It’s a good idea to engage in self care after the next couple days after the session to soften oxytocin drop as it can be like coming down from a high, especially if you haven’t had touch in a long time.

You also agree that if you ingest any substances, you take on all responsibility for any effects you may experience. This includes if you decide to drive afterward. You also understand that any discussion on substances is merely for educational and harm reduction purposes only.

Notes:

Sessions last 1 hour. As of July 2024, they cost $100. For existing clients from before July 2024, they cost $80. I take payment via this site, Venmo (@keerajoel), CashApp (@keerajoel), Paypal (hello@keerajoel.com), checks written out to BeHeld, or preferably cash at the time of the session.

You can book online at keerajoel.com/book-online. You’ll receive a confirmation email as well as a reminder email the day before.

If you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible. For no shows, you are required to prepay for any future sessions. If you have prepaid and need to cancel, your payment will be put toward the next session.

For communication, please reach out to me via text (218.409.6010) or email (hello@keerajoel.com).

My office is at 902 E 1st St, Duluth, MN 55805 in the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum on the first level. Please use the left most side door off 9th ave, the one closest to 1st St, and come to the big room between the stairs.

There is metered parking from 8:00-5:30 on the street, and there may be a spot or two of unpaved, free parking directly behind the building above the alley. After 5:00 PM, the front row of the Gitchi Gammi Club tends to be open and free if no special events are going on.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to working with you!